“Tell me about calves’ heads,” she began eagerly.
“Whatever do you mean?” cried Marion, laughing. “You are like a child asking for a story. ‘Tell me about fairies.’”
“Well, you know what I mean!” she said impatiently. “I want to know all about them, how much they cost, and if it would be feasible to have one, and if they are nice. But I won’t have one if the cook is likely to make a hash of it!” she said energetically.
“Well, your cook might make a hash, and a very good hash too; but that is no reason why you should not have one. You need only have half a head, which will cost you about 3s. or 3s. 6d. Have it boiled the first day and served with white sauce over and bacon round alternately with slices of tongue, and hashed the second day.”
“But don’t you have to skin it, or do something like that first? I read something about skinning it in my cookery-book, and it puzzled me dreadfully.”
“All that is done at the butcher’s. It is as well to blanch the head by putting it in boiling water, bringing the water to the boil, and throwing it away. Then put it in a pan, with enough water to cover and vegetables to flavour, and cook gently about two and a half hours.”
“That was just what I wanted to know. I understand about skinning the tongue and cutting it in pieces to put round the dish; but what are you to do with the brains?”
“Tie them in muslin and cook them for half an hour separately in water or stock, divide in small pieces and put round the dish. Before you go I will give you a nice recipe for hashing the remains. By the way, was the dinner list of any use?”
“Yes, indeed.”
“Here is this week’s then,” said Marion, as she went to her desk and, opening it, gave the list to Mrs. Holden. “You see we have just been having calf’s head ourselves.”